The government is conducting its statutory review of the GCA between 2019 and 2022.
The consultation seeks views and evidence which will allow the government to make an assessment of the GCA’s performance against measures set out in the GCA Act. These include:
- How the GCA’s powers have been exercised
- How effective the GCA has been in enforcing the Code
- Whether to amend or replace the permitted financial penalty powers
- Whether there is a need to set out guidance for the GCA to consider when deciding to investigate a breach
The consultation closes on 11 October 2022.
Our concerns
In addition to the standard considerations, the government has included questions around the GCA’s role and whether there might be gains in efficiency and effectiveness in transferring the GCA functions to the Competitions Market Authority (CMA).
We have concerns around these questions and the potential removal of the GCA.
We lobbied hard for the establishment of the adjudicator role and we strongly support the vital work it does in improving trading relationships between suppliers and retailers.
At a time where farmers and growers are facing unprecedented levels of inflation and supply chain challenges the GCA’s role is more vital than ever.
Feed into our response
We will be submitting member views into the review and would like to hear from you about how effective the GCA has been in exercising its powers to regulate retailer buying behaviour.
Any feedback we get from members will remain confidential and will only be used to shape the NFU submission. No members will be identified in our response.
For more information, or to feed into our response, please email us at: [email protected]
You can also submit your own response to the consultation at: GOV.UK | Groceries Code Adjudicator: statutory review, 2019 to 2022
More information can be read in this member briefing: Groceries Code Adjudicator statutory review, 2019 to 2022